AMHERST – It’s back to school time and members of the Amherst Police Department are reminding everyone to stay safe on the way to and from the classroom.
The police department wants to ensure students remains safe as they head back to class and throughout the school year and its officers are encouraging everyone to remain alert and mindful now that classes have resumed.
Students should walk on sidewalks and used marked crosswalks. When there is no sidewalk, stay on the left-hand side of the street so you can see oncoming traffic.
Always look both ways before crossing any street, make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you and wait for cars to stop.
When waiting for a school bus, stand back from the roadway until the bus has come to a complete stop, with its flashing red lights activated.
Be alert. Wearing headphones or walking and texting may pose risks, as you may not be aware of oncoming traffic.
Always respect traffic lights and wait for the walk signal before crossing the street.
For motorists:
Slow down and always respect the speed limit in school zones. School speed zones are 30 km/h and are in effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week when students are visible.
Traffic in both directions must stop when a school bus has its red lights flashing. Wait until the bus driver has turned off the red lights before proceeding.
Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks.
Always pay attention to crossing guards and school buses with lights flashing yellow.
